Today I tried microwaving sweet corns, something that I’ve never done before. I resorted to this method as carrying our heavy stainless steel wok and pot for steaming is too much for my painful tennis elbow hand to bear. So I had a light bulb moment and popped an ear of sweet corn into the microwave oven for 3 minutes, and voila, the corns tasted just as good as steamed ones!
Microwaving sweet corn saves you time, and it also preserves many of the corn’s essential nutrients, making it one of the best cooking methods for this tasty vegetable.
Microwaving sweet corn is incredibly simple. There’s no need to shuck the corn beforehand—just pop the whole ear, husk and all, directly into the microwave. Cooking it with the husk on steams the corn naturally, locking in moisture and flavor. This method takes about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave and the number of ears you’re cooking.
The sweet corns that I bought from the supermarket today were already shucked. Next time I will try microwaving corns with the husk and all.
After microwaving, the husk and silk slide off easily, eliminating the messy process of peeling raw corn. For anyone in a rush or looking for a hassle-free cooking experience, this is a game-changer.
One of the key benefits of microwaving sweet corn is that it helps preserve its nutritional value. Sweet corn is packed with fiber, vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin C), and minerals like potassium and magnesium. Traditional cooking methods like boiling can cause some of these nutrients to leach into the water, reducing the overall nutritional content of the corn. Microwaving, on the other hand, uses minimal water, meaning more of these essential nutrients remain intact in the corn itself.
Moreover, the steaming effect of microwaving ensures that antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health, are retained. These antioxidants are heat-sensitive, so quick cooking methods like microwaving prevent significant nutrient loss, ensuring that you get the most out of your corn.
How to Microwave Sweet Corn
Here’s how easy it is to prepare sweet corn using the microwave:
Leave the Husk On: Place the whole ear of corn (with the husk) in the microwave. You can cook one ear at a time or multiple, depending on your microwave’s capacity. Add a little water (about 2 tablespoons) on a microwave-safe plate with the corns.
Microwave on High: Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. One ear usually takes 3 minutes, while two or more may take slightly longer.
Remove with Caution: The corn will be hot when it comes out, so let it cool for a minute before handling.
Shuck Easily: Once slightly cooled, the husk and silk should peel away easily. No more struggling with sticky silk strands!
Season to Taste: Once shucked, you can enjoy the corn as is or add butter, salt, or any seasonings you prefer. I like my corn plain sans any seasoning.
Microwaving sweet corn is the fastest and healthiest way to enjoy this nutritious and delicious vegetable. It’s not only convenient, requiring minimal preparation and clean-up, but it also preserves the corn’s natural flavor and nutrients better than boiling or grilling. Next time you’re craving sweet corn, give the microwave method a try for a quick, nutritious, and tasty treat!
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